Space and Defense
Article Title
Strategic Space Cooperation: U.S. Space Command and the National Guard’s State Partnership Program
Abstract
USSPACECOM leverages the State Partnership Program to draw on space expertise within the state-based National Guard. This relationship reinforces the combatant command’s international security cooperation efforts. In 2022, the U.S. Space Command (USSPACECOM) and the National Guard's State Partnership Program (SPP) began pursuing security cooperation objectives while integrating the space domain into greater deterrence efforts. As the newest combatant command (CCMD) with space as its Area of Responsibility (AOR), USSPACECOM has global strategic partnership interests and recognizes the value of the enduring relationships inherent in SPP. This cooperation allows the National Guard to offer its strong relationships, space expertise, and industry knowledge to USSPACECOM. This provides a foundation for USSPACECOM's security cooperation efforts. This article discusses the SPP's role in supporting USSPACECOM's engagement strategy and the partnership’s potential implications for deterrence, U.S. national security and international relations. It will also recommend enhancement